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This year, my kids and I had the privilege of using the new Structure and Style for Students writing curriculum from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW).
IEW graciously sent me one set of the Structure and Style for Students Year 1 Level A curriculum to try for free. I immediately ordered a second student workbook so that two of my kids could use this writing curriculum together.
It was just a few weeks into using the program when I realized that all my kids were gathering around to watch every writing lesson. All my kids, from 4 years old to 16 years old, enjoyed watching Andrew Pudewa teach the lessons and share his jokes. My older kids asked if they could switch over to Structure and Style for Students part way into the school year. They were hooked on this new writing curriculum from IEW!
I went ahead and purchased Structure and Style for Students Year 1 Level B and Structure and Style for Students Year 1 Level C for my older kids. With six kids still being homeschooled, I figured it was worth the investment. I am thrilled with my kids’ enthusiasm for writing and even more pleased with the progress they have made.
What is Structure and Style for Students?
Structure and Style for Students is a brand new, video-based, writing curriculum from the Institute for Excellence in Writing. IEW has been creating excellent writing and grammar curriculum for the homeschool community for many years but most of it has been parent-led. This new curriculum is video-based with engaging writing lessons taught by Andrew Pudewa, the founder of IEW.
Mr. Pudewa starts each lesson off with one or more jokes. This is probably my children’s favorite part of the writing lesson. He then moves on to teaching the new lesson which includes a variety of new “dress-ups” to add to their writing assignment. Mr. Pudewa is an entertaining instructor who is able to hold the children’s attention while explaining with ease, what some believe, is a very boring and difficult subject.
A few of my kids struggled with writing in the past and have always need extensive guidance from me. I was pleased to discover, on many days, that those same kids were able to complete an entire writing assignment without any help from me!
How Does It Work?
Structure and Style for Students is divided into three levels: A, B and C. Level A is geared towards children who are reading at a 3rd to 5th grade level. Level B is geared towards middle school kids (grades 6th-8th). Level C is their high school level writing course.
Each level consists of two years worth of writing lessons. Each year is sold separately. For example, you might purchase SSS Year 1 Level A for your 4th grader and then the following year, when he’s in 5th grade, you would purchase SSS Year 2 Level A.
IEW has a helpful Pathway chart to help you determine where to place your child.
You will have three different package options when you go to purchase Structure and Style for Students. There is the Basic package, the Basic Plus package, and the Premier package.
The Basic package includes everything needed for your student to learn writing using the Excellence in Writing method.
- Student Packet and Binder
- Teacher’s Manual
- Video Instruction (DVD or Forever Streaming options)
The Basic Plus package includes everything in the Basic package plus a portable wall chart and the Fix It! Grammar curriculum.
- Student Packet and Binder
- Teacher’s Manual
- Video Instruction (DVD or Forever Streaming options)
- Portable Walls for Structure and Style Students
- Fix It! Grammar
The Premier package adds in the teacher training videos so that you can learn along with your child. This package would be a good fit for parents who plan on moving to a theme-based, parent-led writing curriculum from IEW.
- Student Packet and Binder
- Teacher’s Manual
- Video Instruction (DVD or Forever Streaming options)
- Portable Walls for Structure and Style Students
- Fix It! Grammar
- A Word Write Now
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (parent video course)
This writing curriculum makes it easy for the busy homeschool mom and fun for the kids! It has been a great fit for our large family. You can find sample video lessons on the IEW website. Check it out and see if it might work for your family!
How did you decide whether or not to do the teacher training?
IEW’s Teaching Writing training for parents/teachers is not necessary but can be helpful especially if you would like to use some of their theme based writing courses that are parent-taught.
I have a 3rd, 5th, and 7th grader. Did you purchase the online videos for each level (A, B, and C)? Or did you just purchase the videos for one level and student books at your kids appropriate grade levels? I was planning to buy 1A for my younger students but am not sure what to get for my 7th grader. Thanks!
That is a great question! Each video level needs its own student workbook. So if you want to use level A, B, and C with your kids you would need to purchase Level A, B, and C videos and Level A, B, and C student books. That being said, you might be able to combine at least two of your kids into the same level. Hope that helps.
Hi Janelle,
I am curious if you could help me a bit with knowing what as a mom/teacher I might be signing my for as far as Structure and Style and the marking etc that is needed for this program.
I do not feel confident in my own public school training re education when I comes to writing and English.
Just want to know, how do we mark etc the children’s assignments? Is there tools to help us? I have not done the program yet so please excuse my question if it seems odd.
There is a checklist for each assignment to help with grading but it just says to evaluate correct grammar, punctuation, and other aspects of writing that the student was working on. That being said, I find it easier to use and evaluate over other writing curriculum.